Deep, a=
ll-sky gamma-ray observations combined with recent discoveries of nearby dw=
arf galaxies have set the stage for the potential detection of dark matter =
annihilation. I will discuss a few issues, both conceptual and technical, r=
equired to rigorously establish the existence of a signal and to identify i=
t as new physics. This includes assessing significance given limitations in=
our understanding of the gamma-ray background, especially regarding popula=
tions of faint astrophysical sources. I will present ongoing work on new me=
thods to test the dark matter hypothesis against alternatives, which carefu=
lly handle partial knowledge of both the dark matter properties and of the =
background. Given an apparent excess I will show how comparing its energy s=
pectrum to those of conventional sources can help explain its origin. I wil=
l present these new techniques in applications to the dwarf galaxies Reticu=
lum II and the recently discovered Carina II/III pair. Such methods will be=
come essential when the next generation of sky surveys discovers a plethora=
of new dark matter-dominated satellites surrounding the Milky Way.<=
/p>